FBI Ups Antipiracy Efforts

Antipiracy efforts by the movie and music industries received a boost when the FBI unveiled a public relations campaign to address the “risks and vulnerabilities” associated with file sharing in addition to issuing new warning labels and text on future copyrighted materials, including movies, music and video games.

The warnings -- which are similar to visual deterrents imbedded in VHS product -- may also appear on the packaging and signify intensified efforts by government and industry officials to combat what FBI cyberdivision assistant director Jana Monroe, in a statement, called “a detrimental impact on the U.S. economy.”

“This new seal will serve as a clear and important reminder to consumers that piracy of game products is illegal and may be subject to criminal enforcement,” said Ric Hirsch, SVP of the Entertainment Software Association.

“It is our hope that when consumers see the new FBI warning on the music they purchase, both physically and digitally, they will take time to learn the dos and don'ts of copying and uploading to the Internet,” said Brad Buckles, EVP of the Recording Industry Association of America.